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Oglethorpe's speech before Assembly of South Carolina
Source: A True and Historical Narrative of the Colony of Georgia in America #173
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[Oglethorpe returns to Charleston to thank the colony for its kindness (OurGeorgiaHistory.com)] [Gen. Oglethorpe's Speech before the Assembly of South Carolina, June 9, 1733. On Saturday 9th of June, 1733 James Oglethorpe, Esqr. made a very handsome speech to the Hon. Commons House of Assembly, returning them thanks for the encouragement they gave to the settling of Georgia. It is as follows:— (1741 A True and Historical Narrative)] 1733 Oglethorpe leaves Georgia in South Carolina’s care. Here is a breakdown of his speech, followed by a transcript of it. 1. He thanked them for giving assistance to the colony of Georgia. 2. He sensed a universal zeal among the South Carolinians in their generosity, which is appreciated by the Trustees, the Georgians, and the distressed people of Britain who now have a refuge to go to. 3. Their generosity will pay off in the form of more security against the danger they have fought from the French, Spanish, and Indians. 4. Their generosity will also pay off in increase property values, tax revenue, and English dominion. 5. He must return to Europe, and asked them to continue to aid the new colony. Speech of James Oglethorpe, before the Provincial Legislature of South Carolina. I should think myself very much wanting in justice and gratitude, if I should neglect thanking your Excellency, you Gentlemen 14 of the Councel, and you Gentlemen of the Assembly, for the assistance you have give to the Colony of Georgia. I have long wished for an opportunity of expressing my sense of the universal zeal, which the inhabitants of this Province have shewn for assisting that Colony; and could not think of any better opportunity, than now the whole Province is virtually present in its General Assembly. I am, therefore, Gentlemen, to thank you for the handsome assistance given by private people, as well as by the public. I am to thank you, not only in the name of the Trustees, and the little Colony now in Georgia; but in behalf of all the distressed people of Britain and persecuted Protestants of Europe, to whom a place of Refuge will be secured by this first attempt. Your charitable and generous proceeding, besides the self-satisfaction which always attends such actions, will be of the greatest advantage to this Province. You, Gentlemen, are the best judges of this; since, most of you have been personal witnesses of the dangerous blows this country has escaped from French, Spanish, and Indian arms. Many of you know this by experience, having signalized yourselves personally; either, when this Province by its own strength, and unassisted by every thing but the courage of its inhabitants, and the providence of God, repulsed the formidable invasions of the French; or, when it defeated the whole body of the southern Indians, who were armed against it, and invaded the Spaniards, who assisted them. You, Gentlemen, know there was a time, when, every day brought fresh advices of murders, ravages, and burnings; when, no profession or calling was exempted from arms; when, every inhabitant of the Province was obliged to leave their wives, their families, their useful occupations, and undergo all the fatigues of war, for the necessary defence of the country; and, all their endeavors scarcely sufficient to defend the western and southern frontiers against the Indians. It would be needless for me to tell you, who are much better judges, how the increasing settlements of the new Colony upon the Southern frontiers, will prevent the like danger for the future. Nor need I tell you, how much every plantation will increase in value, by the safety of the Province's being increased, since the Lands to the southward already sell for above double what they did when the new Colony first arrived. Nor need I mention the great lessening of the burthen of the people, by the increasing of the income of the Tax, from the many hundred thousand acres of land, either taken or taking up on the prospect of future security. The assistance the Assembly have given, tho' not quite equal to the occasion, is very large, with respect to the present circumstances 15 of the Province; and, as such, shews you to be kind benefactors to your new-come countrymen, whose settlements you support; and dutiful subjects to his Majesty, whose revenues and dominions, you by that means increase and strengthen. As I shall soon return to Europe, I must recommend the infant Colony to your farther protection; being assured, both from your generosity and wisdom, that you will in case of any danger and necessity, give them the utmost support and assistance. (Georgia Trustees 1733)
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